Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/10/25): Cubs 7, Guardians 4 – Shaw Shines in Cubs Win

The Cubs were up against the Guardians in Goodyear on Monday in their penultimate spring game before heading to Japan. As you’d expect, there were no regulars in the lineup for Chicago, except for perhaps Matt Shaw, but that remains to be seen. The Cubs were good enough today to rally and overcome an early deficit, taking home a victory.

Shōta Imanaga got the start and had his only trouble in the bottom of the 2nd inning, allowing home runs to Lane Thomas and Juan Brito that gave Cleveland a 4-0 lead. Imanaga was pulled from the game in that frame but returned the next inning and pitched through five.

The Cubs got two of the runs back in the 3rd, including one on an RBI single by Shaw, to cut the deficit in half. They were able to tie the game with two more run-scoring hits off the bats of James Triantos and Reese McGuire in the 6th.

Dixon Machado put the North Siders in front with a knock in the top of the 7th, and they would add two more to build a 7-4 advantage. Jordan Wicks took over for Imanaga and pitched four scoreless innings to help secure the win.

Key Moment

Imanaga ran into trouble but bounced back nicely when he returned in the 3rd. He looks on track for his opening day start next week in Japan.

Why the Cubs Won

They kept Cleveland off the scoreboard after the four-run 2nd inning.

Stats That Matter

• Imanaga only gave up one hit outside of his one rough inning: 4.1 IP, 4 R, 4 H, 4 K, and 1 BB.
• Shaw got on base three times Monday with two hits and a walk.
• Darius Hill had two hits, including a home run.

Bottom Line

The Cubs play one more game before taking the trip to Japan. Wicks is going to have a role on this team one way or another so it’s good to see him perform well. At this point, it feels like Shaw has earned a start in Tokyo. He appears to be healthy and ready to go. (Box score)

On Deck

The Brewers come to Sloan Park on Tuesday at 3:05pm CT. Justin Steele is on the mound in a contest airing on Marquee Sports Network.